MLS Houston Dynamo FC

Game Notes: Houston Dynamo at Vancouver Whitecaps FC - Friday, May 11 - 9:30 p.m. CDT

Published on May 8, 2018 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Houston Dynamo FC News Release


HOUSTON - The Houston Dynamo will make their first visit to Canada this season as they head to Vancouver to take on Whitecaps FC in the second match of the 2018 season series between these two clubs. The 'Caps stunned the Dynamo with 2-1 win in Houston in March, catching Houston on the counterattack twice to deal a rare home defeat to the boys in orange.

The counterattack has been both a weapon and a threat for the Dynamo this season. With speed on the flanks in the form of Honduran forwards Alberth Elis and Romell Quioto, the Dynamo have terrorized opposing defenses all year with quick attacking moves. However, those lightning-fast attacks have also left the Dynamo vulnerable to the same threat defensively and several of Houston's 13 goals allowed this year have come via the counter.

Like the Dynamo, Vancouver frequently play a quick-hitting counterattack style, which has led to entertaining, end-to-end action when the two sides have met the last two seasons. Led by forward Kei Kamara, winger Brek Shea and midfielder Yordy Reina, the Whitecaps attack can punish opposing defenses if given an inch of space, so the Dynamo back line and midfield will no doubt be focused on keeping those speedsters in front of them.

Led by the Honduran duo, Houston's attack has been one of the league's most dangerous once again this season. Elis has four goals and four assists on the season and has contributed at least one goal or assist in six of the club's eight games this year, while Quioto has been virtually unstoppable over the last month with two goals and four assists in Houston's last three games. Quioto has scored, assisted or created nine of Houston's 10 goals in that time span.

Getting a win at BC Place is never easy - the 'Caps have a .614 winning percentage at home since entering Major League Soccer in 2011 and are 2-1-1 at BC Place this season. This year's Dynamo have been stout on the road so far, however, despite not coming away with a win. Houston has held the lead in each of its first three away matches of the season. The last time they took the lead in four consecutive away matches was during the 2013 season when the led in four straight road contests from May 5 at the LA Galaxy through July 1 at Columbus.

It's far too early in the year to pay too much attention to the league table, but a win on Friday could still be a big help for the Dynamo. Currently sitting on 11 points and in a tie for sixth in the Western Conference, Houston could vault ahead of Vancouver (13 points, tied for third) if they pick up all three points Friday night.

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